Kentucky High School Football Player with One-Arm Wins 2010 Rudy Award

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America



Having a bad day?

We all have them.

I had one yesterday, but then I get a news release announcing the winner of the 2010 High School Rudy Award.  Then after learning about Chance Anthony of Breckinridge High School in Hardinsburg, Kentucky, I got the feeling that feeling sorry for myself wasn't the thing I should be doing.

Anthony was born without the lower part of his right arm.  That has not prevented the senior from being a contributing member of the school's football and basketball teams.

The two-way starter caught his first touchdown pass last season during the school's homecoming game. He can also bench press 235-pounds...basically with one arm!

“One hand or not, you can still catch a football and still catch a basketball,” said Anthony. “Sometimes my friends forget I’ve only got one hand. I do as much as anyone else at school. It’s how you deal with adversity that counts. If somebody gives you the opportunity, you better take it and run. Don’t look back and question why. I know I’m going to look back and really appreciate Coach giving me the opportunity to be the best I could be.”

Anthony, who won a $10,000 scholarship, was chosen for the 2nd annual award from 250 nominees.

The High School Football Rudy Award is named after Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, who became a not-so-famous, famous player while at Notre Dame while only playing two downs as a 5-6, 165 pound walk-on.

Anthony will join me and my co-host Trish Hoffman Sunday night on the NHSCA Sports Hour radio show to talk about his award an incredible journey to overcome his handicap. Click here to listen LIVE to the Sunday night at 6 PM EST.

The first runner-up was Cody Rye of Ironwood, Michigan...2nd runner-ups were Kyle Wilcos of Seffner, Florida and Tray Waite of Warren, Ohio.

Rudy Award Announces 12 Finalists

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Character, courage, contribution and commitment...those are the characteristics that the officials of the High School Football Rudy Awards are looking when examining the list of candidates for the second annual award named after Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, who became a not-so-famous, famous player while at Notre Dame while only playing two downs as a 5-6, 165 pound walk-on.

Yesterday, Trusted Sports and Ruettinger announced the twelve finalists for this years awards.  The finalists were chosen from over 250 nominees, who teammates, coaches and their communities believe inspire others to excellence on-and-off the field.

Here are the finalists...

Chance Anthony - Hardinsburg, Kentucky
Kamron Clark - Canton, South Dakota
Kenny Daily - Bend, Oregon
Tyler Dutruch - Slidell, Louisiana
Jake Eilers - Breese, Illinois
Michael Harris - Fort Worth, Texas
Schuylar Hurd-Johnson - Indianapolis, Indiana
Reid Layton - Seminole, Texas
Phillip Madriaga - Aiea, Hawaii
Cody Rye - Ironwood, Michigan
Tray Waite - Warren, Ohio
Kyle Wilcox - Seffner, Florida
**profiles of the finalist can be found at www.highschoolrudyawards.com

"These twelve finalists are amazing! I'd like to meet each and every one of them so I can shake their hand and let them know how much they've inspired me," said Drew Bledsoe, former NFL quarterback and Chairman of the Selection Committee. "Over the Holidays I've shared some of their stories with friends and family, and we're in awe by what these kids have been through. They really honor the soul of the High School Football Rudy Awards, which is all about motivating others, and demonstrating immense courage and integrity. Every single one of them is a 'Rudy'."

The winner, who will be chosen January 18th, will receive a $10,000 scholarship, with two runners-up and a fan favorite determined by on-line voting receiving $5,000 scholarships.